ColinB

I've just had a long-delayed reply from Bridgestone Europe to a question last month about what tyres to replace my SO3s with, since they have been discontinued. I found them to be excellent tyres so I also asked why they had been discontinued.

Bridgestone replied that the SO3 is outdated technology and recommended the 'Specially designed-for-Porsche' SO2 N3.

If I understand it correctly SO2s were the predecessor to the SO3s so I smell a bit of a rat here. Don't think I got a straight answer to my question 'why discontinued'.

Still they are NLA, so - anybody tried these SO2 N3s?

Colin. 89GT

drnick

colin, the SO2 was a better tyre than the SO3 - if you can still get them. i used to run brigestones all the time but have cone to michellin pilot sport 2 for my 18" rims. im trialling a set of toyos on my 79 which runs on 16s. ive got a set of RE 70 somethings on my vr6 golf and they are excellent. so far the toyos have been ok - a bit noisy at speed but an excellent rain tyre. im also trying out a set of falkens on 19" rims.

Peter F

I have the S02 N3 on my GT and like them a lot.
Only complaint would be the noice but it is a problem with most wide tires with stiffer side walls to cope with the 928.

/Peter

Brett Matthews

I too, have been trying to research this problem. I'll be due for a set of skins, at least by next year. I have a set of stock size rear SO3's waiting in the basement. I've been searching for the front's for several months now. I found out when they ceased production, which was supposed to be last February??? Maybe it was Feb. of last year?

I've called around to various shops, gone online to anyone I could find who mentioned they "had" SO3's for sale. The best I found, was there are two 225/50-16 stuck somewhere in Utah, but they are "sold", and waiting for the buyer to pick them up, but that has been for many months now that they have been waiting! Recently, I heard about a set somewhere in Texas.... That trail grew cold....

I've asked Firestone shops, Sears, Bridgestone dealer's, ANYONE associated with Bridgestone, what was the replacement tire for the SO3's. Never had a serious reply. The best reply I ever got, was that there was no specific replacement for the SO3. Maybe the best to match what I have, would be the 050A, or the 009.... I worry about compound compatability, and the tires at each end holding the pavement until the same point. Not that I've lost traction to overpowering, but once because of inexperience, and freshly wet roads...

I have been thinking about the 750's and 960's... And maybe the RE 01R's?? I have REALLY liked the performance I have recieved from these SO3 tires! Granted, being Z rated, they have no mileage warrantee, { and the fact I haven't gotten the odometer fixed and working, so I have no idea how many miles I've really gotten out of these SO3's } but with their ability to hold the roads, wet or dry, the experience I've had has been positive! I'd like to replace these with something comparable.
I've read the reports here, about Michelin's, Continental's, Perelli's, etc., etc. Most seem positive, some are derogatory... I expect they are all personal experience, and especially, driver's ability. I am not one who can say I am the best. But, I like where I'm at... I have a LOT of fun driving Rosy!

Tommy928

I had the S03 prior to changing to Michelin Pilot Sport N1. The S03 was good but the Michelin is better in everyway. I went from 16" to 18" and yet the Michelin rides better and quieter, plus better performance to boot. Amazing.

sendarius

I have SO2-N3 on my 944S2 BUT the set I have was over three years old when I bought them according to the manufacture date/lot number, and they are not as good as the first two sets I had.

I suspect they are age-hardened and were past their best when I bought them. I don't think any of the retailers in Oz have NEW SO2s, just "NOS".

Much as I like the SO2, I suspect Michelin will be my next purchase.

slate blue

I just bought a set a Yokahama Advan V103, 235 on the front and 295 on the rear. I don't know how many horses I have at the rear but will find out this Saturday but the Yokis check them in check, the Pirrellis never did, so they are a very impressive tyre and cheaper by $500 AUD a set when compared to the P Zero.

Greg

Alan

I have run SO2's & SO3's The SO3 were more durable and quieter but probably had marginally less grip. I now run Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's. Similar expense and better grip than the SO3 (prob similar to an SO2). They are queieter evan than the SO3's and seem to be wearing better too...

I'd recommend them.

Alan